Shot of the Month – Grape Ape Bomb Shot
Here’s a fun shot with a silly name just in time for April Fools Day! This sweet and tasty shot can definitely sneak up on you, so remember to take it slow.
Ingredients
1/2 oz grape flavored vodka
1/2 oz watermelon puckers
Orange flavored soda or energy drink
Directions
Pour vodka and puckers into a martini shaker with ice and shake well to chill. Fill a pint glass 1/3 full of soda or energy drink. Strain the chilled vodka and puckers mixture into a shot glass. Drop chilled shot into pint glass just before your ready to take the shot. Have a “Grape Ape”ril Fools Day! :)
Can Women and Men Really be Friends?
As a woman my response is yes. I have countless guy friends that I have never wanted sexually. But I wonder if you narrow this question down to: Can you be friends with a woman and never have a sexual thought about her? What would your response be?
I was quite surprised at the response I got when talking to other guys about this, they agreed with me. Albeit, most of them conceded that their own evolution and age was a major factor.
So, what do you guys think? Is age really the key as a man? Is it because looks fade, or sex drive? Or do you think it really is just not possible for a man to not have a sexual thought about any woman they maintain a closeness too?
I think it is possible regardless of age. For a woman closeness to a man through friendship, or sexual attraction can be on completely different playing fields. Is it the same for you?
How Long Does it Take You to Get Ready?
The morning ritual is essential to every man. The length of time one takes depends on what you incorporate into your routine. Some guys opt for a quick electric shave in the morning while others go the extra mile and wet shave. MaleStandard wants to know, How long does it take you to get ready in the morning?
The State of MaleStandard – March 2011
We’re pleased to introduce the very first installment of The State of MaleStandard where we share what’s going on with the website, our goals, and what it takes to achieve your MaleStandard.
Take a look at the video and contact me with your thoughts and feedback.
Victor Macias
Co-Founder – MaleStandard.com
victor@malestandard.com
*Note – If you’re reading this on RSS or by email subscription, you may need to click on the article to view the video.
The Differences in Home Teeth Whitening Products
There are plethoras of home teeth whitening products available in the marketplace today to help people who wish to lighten and brighten their smile. As with all products the claims are wide and optimistic but not necessarily predictable or reliable.
1. Home Whitening Kits
Home whitening kits designed by dentists who have a system which allows for the user to fabricate a somewhat custom impression of the teeth to be used as a tray for holding a bleaching compound against the teeth are somewhat reliable and reasonably priced. They can usually be found from TV ads or Internet sites. The downside of these is the lack of supervision and guidance from a professional.
2. Whitening Strips
Whitening strips are available from local pharmacy outlets in markets and chain “drug” stores. These products are also somewhat reliable and reasonably priced but usually take multiple kits to do much of a job (something to keep in mind when considering cost). Crest White Strips would be a good example of such a product.
3. Whitening Toothpastes
Whitening toothpastes are available from many of the major brand toothpaste manufacturers and are probably best used to maintain some whiteness after initial whitening has been accomplished in another manner. You will not see much primary whitening here.
4. Whitening Mouth Rinses
Whitening mouth rinses can also be found but are of questionable value as well, and are not recommended as a whitening product. They can also be viewed as above, in possible maintenance after actual whitening.
5. Home Whitening Kits (From Your Dentist)
Home whitening kits from your local dentist are also available. The cost on these kits is substantially higher than the others but predictability and results are much better. This is due to a custom tray being fitted to each individual patient and a much stronger bleaching agent, which is only available from a licensed dentist. Multiple visits for supervision, instruction and additional bleach supply is also part of the service. They cost more, but predictability and results are superior to other home systems.
All of these systems use organic bleaching compounds developed for safety in oral use. The main difference is the strength of the compound available. “Over the counter” bleaching agents are significantly less strong than that available from the dentist. Stronger bleaching compounds are prescription type products. On occasion (but rarely), patients can develop allergies to the compounds and so stronger compounds do require supervision and instruction in use as they can burn the gums if used in excess and incorrectly.
Fitness Supplement Myths
- Take this product and you’ll look like the person (paid fitness/body building model) advertising it;
- All supplements work for everyone;
- If I take supplements I don’t need to work out as much;
- Supplements will give me huge gains in a very short time.
Myths
The above are just to name a few. The first, and most important thing you need to know is: workout supplements are not controlled by the FDA (food and drug administration). Therefore, companies can claim all sorts of benefits with little to no oversight attesting to how true these benefits really are. Fact: Not all supplements will work for everyone. Everyone’s body is different and will react differently to supplements. Also remember the “testimonials,” or “real” people hawking the product are being paid, likely professional models, and even more likely not an average joe who transformed into a perfect specimen just by using the supplement they are advertising.
So what is the truth about supplements? The truth is some supplements are good and some are a complete waste of money. How do you know which is which? Research, research, research! Get on the Internet and see what people are saying. Blogs, chat rooms, workout forums, even websites where customers can leave feedback and ratings. Bear in mind there will probably be a little trial and error too. You are going to have to find what works best for your body.
The bottom line is you can take all the supplements in the world but without a proper balanced diet (eating 5 to 6 times a day) and a good workout regimen (minimum of 1 hour for a minimum of 4 days a week) to begin with you will just be flushing your money down the drain. You need to be patient. You will not get results over night. It takes time (usually months) to see changes. Supplements are good but unless you want to be a professional body builder there are only a few supplements that are worth your money.
You can control most of your health (body image/looks) with your diet and exercise routine. What I would recommend for the average person looking to gain some muscle is some sort of Whey protein, Amino acids, and maybe some Creatine (which you should cycle and only use for a couple months then take 4-6 weeks off without use). Everyone should also be taking a good multi-vitamin, vitamin C, and a fish oil vitamin (to get your omega 3 fat).
Supplement companies are out to make money and will sell you anything. Invest in yourself, and don’t waste your time or money on gimmicks that will not produce results. Research, research, research.
101 Worst Grooming Mistakes Guys Make
When it comes to grooming, we all make mistakes. However, many of them can be avoided. In order to help, Male Standard has developed The 101 Worst Grooming Mistakes Guys Make.
We’ve sought the help of experts in the grooming industry including: shaving gurus, barbers, skin care professionals, and stylists to develop the most effective and comprehensive list ever made.
Take a look at these mistakes and take steps to avoid making them.
Hair
- Using too much hair product
- Using the wrong hair product for your hair type
- Choosing a hairstyle that does not compliment your face shape
- Choosing a hairstyle that does not compliment your hair type
- Choosing a hairstyle that’s not age appropriate
- Not maintaining your style between cuts
- Thinking a $5 haircut is the same as a professional one
- Sporting the comb over
- Sporting the same style for the past 10 years
- Scratching your scalp when you wash your hair
- Having dandruff and flakes
- Using the wrong shampoo and conditioner for your hair type
- Using thick product and conditioners on fine or thinning hair (makes it look thinner)
- Over using the blow drier and brushing too much on oily hair (makes it produce more oil)
- Over shampooing dry hair (takes away all of the natural oils)
- Over washing and towel drying on curly hair (makes it frizzy)
- Applying water-based styling products to wet hair (reduces the effect)
Body
- Sporting a unibrow
- Getting an unnatural arch when tweezing/waxing your eyebrows
- Ignoring stray nose and ear hair
- Having chest hair that pokes out of your t-shirt
- Not trimming excess back hair
- Thinking that waxing is only for women
- Having overgrown pubic hair
- Using a dull razor on your man jewels
Face/Skin
- Using a generic bar of soap to wash your face
- Having blackheads
- Having acne
- Not knowing your skin type
- Not using the right face wash for your skin type
- Treating your face and body the same
- Not wearing sunscreen
- Not using moisturizer
- Not using lip balm
- Not cleaning your ears properly
- Touching your face
- Picking at acne
- Drinking too much alcohol (can irritate skin and cause inflammation)
- Being too stressed (can cause inflammation of the skin)
- Showering too long (over 10 minutes- strips body of natural oils)
- Not exfoliating your skin
- Using soap on greasy/oily skin (use an oil-free cleanser)
- Not exfoliating your lips
- Not using eye cream (sporting puffy eyes)
- Not drinking enough water
Scent
- Wearing too much cologne
- Purchasing cologne because it smells good in the bottle (needs to work with your skin)
- Wearing a cologne just because of the brand name
- Wearing the same cologne for every occasion
- Wearing lotions that each have different scents (throws your main scent off)
Hands/Feet
- Biting your finger nails
- Chewing your cuticles
- Thinking manicures are just for women
- Having dirty fingernails
- Having athletes foot
- Not washing your hands frequently
- Having long toe nails
- Having foot fungus
- Taking too long to clip your finger and toe nails (should be 1 every 2 weeks)
- Not using lotion on your hands and feet
- Not drying your feet properly after a shower (can cause fungus)
Shaving
- Shaving against the grain
- Shaving with a dull blade
- Not rinsing the blade
- Not using a shaving brush
- Shaving dry skin
- Not prepping
- Not using a pre-shave oil
- Not using after shave
- Thinking that more blades are better
- Not using the right shaving cream/soap
- Not stretching the skin when shaving
- Too many passes over your face with the razor
- Using too much pressure on the razor
- Not using enough lather
- Not shaving your neck when sporting a beard (makes you look like a hobo)
- Sporting facial hair that does not match your face type
- Not trimming your beard
- Sporting a goatee that exceeds your smile line
- Not replacing rotary and foil blades on your electric shaver
Mouth
- Not brushing your teeth properly
- Not using teeth whitening products
- Not flossing properly
- Not using a tongue scraper (most bad breathe starts here)
- Keeping your toothbrush too long (over 60 days)
- Brushing for less than 2 minutes
- Brushing too hard (makes your gums bleed)
- Not brushing at least twice a day
- Not using mouthwash
- Drinking too many caffeinated beverages (strains your teeth)
Problem Areas
- Having ingrown hairs
- Improperly removing ingrown hair (causes infections)
- Wearing low-quality socks (causes smelly feet)
- Sporting athletes foot
- Buying low-quality/cheap grooming products
- Not wearing deodorant/antiperspirant
- Using too much self-tanner (you look orange)
- Using a cheap self-tanner (you look orange)
- Not wearing SPF products while tanning
- Not having a base tan
- Having food stuck in your mustache/goatee
Now that you’ve seen the list, let us know your thoughts. Do you have some grooming mistakes to add? Help your fellow man and add them to the comment area below.
Electric Shaving: How to do it Right
Just owning an electric shaver isn’t enough. You need to know how to use it the right way to get the best results. This article will give you the electric shaving tips to do it right.
The Pre-Shave
Before you begin your shave, you need to prep . Make sure your skin and facial hair are dry (the opposite of wet shaving). Drying the skin will force your hairs to stand up, making them easier to cut. This is best done in the morning before your shower. If you’re really daring and want to take your shave to the next level, use a pre-shave oil developed specifically for electric shaving. Electric pre-shave oils are designed to remove excess oil and moisture from the skin.
The Shave
When shaving with an electric razor, going against the grain is the key. Shaving against the grain forces the whiskers to stand up making them easier to cut. Begin by shaving your most sensitive areas like your neck. Stretch the skin around your shaving area to give it extra resistance. Use light pressure and let the blade do the work. If you use a rotary shaver, move in small circles to get the best result.
The Post-Shave
Just as with wet shaving, electric shaving has its own post-shave regimen. The post-shave is vital to the overall quality of your shave. Once you’re done with the shave, wash your face with warm water to remove any excess oils and debris. Next, pat your face dry. Finally, apply a non-alcohol based after shave and moisturizer to prevent irritation and ingrown hairs.
Cleaning and Maintenance
Just like any piece of equipment, an electric shaver must be maintained and cleaned to continue working at its best. When you are finished shaving, remove all excess hair with a brush. Add oil periodically to lubricate the blades. Finally, replace the foil and cutter (on foil shavers) when it becomes dull.
If you’re a man who appreciates convenience, an electric shaver is the best choice for you. Buy smart buy purchasing products with great brand names and user reviews. Also, our list of Popular Men’s Grooming Products according to our community.
How to Find The Best Electric Shaver For You
Electric shaving is the preferred method of shaving for men looking for convenience. Electric shavers are portable allowing you to shave on the go. They don’t require shaving cream making it less messy than wet shaving. They are also the preferred method for those with sensitive skin. The blades do not come in direct contact with your skin making you less vulnerable to cuts and irritation.
This guide will help you find the best electric shaver for you:
1. Determine Your Blade Type
Electric shavers come in two types: foil electric and rotary electric. What’s best for you depends upon the length of your hair, your hair’s thickness, and the sensitivity of your skin.
Foil Electric
Foil electric shavers come in 1 to 4 rows and are defined by rows of blades covered by a protective foil screen. Foil blades are best for individuals with short to medium length hair and average skin sensitivity. The foil comes off, making them easier to clean.
Rotary Electric
Rotary electric shavers have round, circular, blades that rotate and flex to the contours of your face. Rotary blades are great for long, coarse beards and sensitive skin. Some of the more expensive models even dispense lotion during the shave. Rotary blades are the most durable, but also more difficult to clean.
2. Focus on Key Features
Not all electric shavers are made the same. In addition to different types of blades, some come with extra accessories, charge type and designs. Here are the most common features you’ll find.
Accessories
Trimmers and Attachments – Many electric shavers come with their share of trimming attachments, the larger the selection, the more expensive the shaver. This boils down to personal preference. Buy what you’re most likely to use.
Charge Type
Rechargeable – Rechargeable models are usually cordless which allow for optimal convenience and shaving on the go. In order to get the most effective shave with a rechargeable make sure the shaver is fully charged. A fully charged battery will give you optimal shaving power. Make sure to look at the battery life as well as quick charge features that will get your shaver ready in a matter of minutes.
Corded – Corded shavers are less convenient and usually cheaper. Their unique advantage is that they’re always attached to a power source ensuring you’re always shaving with optimal power.
Wet or Dry
Do you like to shave in the shower? If so, a water resistant shaver is the choice for you. Some models claim to have this feature, but don’t function optimally under wet conditions. Help Hint: Look for models that can be completely submerged under water for cleaning.
Design
The size, shape, and design of the shaver is important because it determines its ease of use. The more stylish, compact, shaver typically costs more money. Pay attention to the feel of the shaver in your hand. Is it easy to grip? Is it easy to control? How well do the heads contour to your face? Does it have a sleek, sexy design? Ask you self these questions when you’re in the market to buy.
3. Listen to Feedback
To find the best electric shaver that suits you, focus on these key elements.
Brand Names
Think of electric shavers like you would a television set. Place trust in a quality name brand that has proven success. Not only do they have a solid reputation of delivering quality products, but they also offer warranties to back up the quality of their product.
Here’s a list of the top electric shaving brands:
- Philips Norelco
- Panasonic
- Braun
User Reviews
User reviews are key. They are the next best thing to buying and trying the product yourself. User reviews give you an objective opinion on the quality and performance of a product. Before you buy, make sure to look for electric shaver reviews.
Popular Products Lists
Top rated lists tie in directly with product reviews. These lists do the research for you and rank the top rated electric shavers based on user review, quality, and price. Check out our list of popular grooming products as selected by our community.
5 Ways to Fight Premature Balding
Despite admissions to the contrary, men, like women find security and confidence in their hair. So what do you do when the dreaded house guest of premature balding decides to show up and never leave? Here are five ways to help you fight back, and kick early onset balding to the curb:
1. Diet
Your diet can be imperative in helping to combat premature balding. Improper nutrition and protein deficiency are detrimental to hair growth. It is proven that diets rich in calcium and iron help to prevent and/or reduce hair loss. Vitamins, proteins, minerals and anti oxidants = healthy hair, healthy you.
2. Stress Avoidance
There is no way around it, your face, skin, and hair is affected by what is going on with you internally. All forms of stress, be it physical or emotional can stop the growth of your hair, as well as eventually cause it to fall out. The good news about this contributor is that once you are able to better manage, or eliminate those stressors your hair will rebound back to its normal patterns and grow.
3. Pulling Your Hair
Yes, in certain instances pulling hair, can be fun, and for some erotic, but for hair growth it’s a don’t. Not only, can it stop growth but it can also damage your hair significantly. So, if you like your hair, stop pulling it. Think of it this way: if you don’t the hair is going to go sooner rather than later, and it wouldn’t be there to pull anyway. Pick your battles, especially when you know how this one ends.
4. Hygiene
Plants need food and water to grow and flourish, so does your scalp, take care of it and it will take care of you. Hygiene and a clean scalp can go a long way in promoting a healthy head of hair.
5. Slow Down on the Products
Have you ever heard that saying, “too much of something is never a good thing?” It applies here. Blow dryers, straightening irons, and chemical products damage hair. Use as sparingly as possible for hair life and longevity.
Lastly, men, remember, hair loss effects approximately 80% of all men by the age of 70 according to the Mayo Clinic. Some men are just born with hereditary contributors that speed up the process. Regardless, of a full head of hair, or a slick smooth head, confidence will counter act it every time.